Humidity control apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dehumidification rotor traps water in air to dehumidify the air. The water trapped by the dehumidification rotor is collected in a water tank. The water to be collected in the water tank is purified by a water purification unit. A humidification rotor imparts the purified water to air to humidify the air.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus which includes a dehumidification unit configured to dehumidify air, and a humidification unit configured to humidify air, and in which water trapped in the dehumidification unit is collected in a water container, and such water is used for air humidification by the humidification unit.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, humidity control apparatuses for controlling air humidity in a room etc. have been widely known.

Patent Document 1 discloses a humidity control apparatus including a humidification unit configured to humidify air. The humidity control apparatus includes a humidification tank to which humidification water is supplied; and a discoid humidification rotor (i.e., humidification unit) arranged so as to cross an air path. A lower portion of the humidification rotor is dipped in water in the humidification tank. During an operation of the humidity control apparatus of Patent Document 1, the humidification rotor continuously rotates. In the humidification rotor, the portion containing water in the humidification tank is displaced to the air path. Air passes through such a portion to impart moisture in the humidification rotor to air. Then, the humidified air flows out from the air path, and is supplied to a room etc.

In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a humidity control apparatus including a dehumidification unit configured to dehumidify air. The humidity control apparatus includes a discoid dehumidification rotor (i.e., dehumidification unit) with adsorbent deposited thereon; a heater for heating the dehumidification rotor to desorb moisture; and a dehumidification tank in which the desorbed moisture is collected. During an operation of the humidity control apparatus of Patent Document 2, moisture in air adsorbs to the adsorbent of the dehumidification rotor. Then, the dehumidified air flows out from an air path, and is supplied to a room etc. A predetermined portion of the dehumidification rotor is heated by the heater, and then moisture desorbs from the adsorbent in such a portion to air. The air to which moisture is released is cooled by a heat exchanger, thereby condensing moisture in the air. The condensed water is collected in the dehumidification tank through a predetermined path.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

-   PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-139251 -   PATENT DOCUMENT 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-42344

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The humidification and dehumidification units described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 may be installed in a single apparatus. That is, both of the humidification and dehumidification rotors are provided in the air path of the apparatus, thereby selectively humidifying or dehumidifying air. However, in a structure in which the apparatuses in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are simply combined, it is necessary to provide a humidification tank for providing moisture to the humidification rotor, and a dehumidification tank for collecting moisture trapped by the dehumidification rotor. This results in a large-size or complex apparatus, and also results in complicated water supply or discharge in each tank.

The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a humidity control apparatus in which air is selectively dehumidified or humidified with a simple structure.

Solution to the Problem

A humidity control apparatus of a first aspect of the invention includes a dehumidification unit (31) configured to dehumidify air by trapping moisture in the air; a water container (41) in which the water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) is collected; a water purification unit (51, 70, 80) configured to generate purifying substances which purifies water to be collected in the water container (41); and a humidification unit (43) configured to humidify air by imparting the water collected in the water container, to air. The “purifying substances” means substances having an effect for degrading and removing harmful substances or odorous components contained in moisture, or a sterilizing effect for killing bacteria etc. existing in moisture.

The humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention includes the dehumidification unit (31) configured to dehumidify air; and the humidification unit (43) configured to humidify air. During a dehumidification operation of the humidity control apparatus, moisture in air is trapped by the dehumidification unit (31). The air dehumidified by trapping the moisture therein is supplied to, e.g., a room space etc. The water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) is collected in the water container (41).

At this point, in the present invention, the water collected from the dehumidification unit (31) to the water container (41) is used for air humidification. That is, the water collected in the water container (41) is imparted to air by the humidification unit (43). The air humidified as described above is supplied to the room etc. In this manner, in the present invention, the water container (41) used both for collecting the water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31), and for storing humidification water of the humidification unit (43).

If the water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) as described above is used for the air humidification by the humidification unit (43), a problem of quality deterioration of the humidification water is caused. Specifically, when, e.g., moisture in room air is trapped by the dehumidification unit (31), harmful substances or odorous components (e.g., ammonia, or formaldehyde), bacteria, etc. contained in the air may be collected together with the water in the water container (41). Thus, if such contaminated water is imparted to air by the humidification unit (43), a problem is caused, in which cleanliness in the room etc. is degraded.

Consequently, the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) is provided in the humidity control apparatus of the present invention. That is, the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) generates predetermined purifying substances, and such purifying substances purify water to be collected in the water container (41). Specifically, in the water to be collected in the water container (41), the purifying substances removes harmful substances etc., or sterilizes such water. Thus, even if the water purified as described above is used for the air humidification by the humidification unit (43), air cleanliness can be maintained.

A second aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, in which the water purification unit serves as an electrical discharge section (51) for generating active species as the purifying substances by generating electrical discharge. The “electrical discharge” includes, e.g., streamer discharge, creeping discharge, and corona discharge.

The electrical discharge section (51) is provided as the water purification unit in the humidity control apparatus of the second aspect of the invention. In the electrical discharge section (51), predetermined electrical discharge is generated between electrodes, thereby generating active species (radicals, ozone, high-energy electrons, excited molecules, etc.) as the purifying substances. Water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) to be collected in the water container (41) is purified by the active species. In a humidification operation, such purified water in the water container (41) is imparted to air by the humidification unit (43).

A third aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, in which the water purification unit is constituted by a photocatalyst member (70) in which active species are generated as the purifying substances.

In the third aspect of the invention, the photocatalyst member (70) is provided as the water purification unit. In the photocatalyst member (70), active species (OH radicals, H₂O₂, etc.) are generated as the purifying substances under predetermined photo-environmental conditions. Water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) to be collected in the water container (41) is purified by the active species. In the humidification operation, such purified water in the water container (41) is imparted to air by the humidification unit (43).

A fourth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, in which the water purification unit is constituted by a metal member (80) in which metal ions are generated as the purifying substances.

The metal member (80) is provided as the water purification unit in the humidity control apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention. The metal member (80) reacts with water to be collected, thereby depositing metal ions (e.g., copper ions). Such metal ions reduce bacterial multiplication in water. Thus, in the humidification operation, release of bacteria etc. from the humidification unit (43) to air can be avoided.

A fifth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of the any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, in which the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) imparts the purifying substances to water in the water container (41).

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the purifying substances are imparted from the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) to water in the water container (41). Thus, in the water container (41), harmful substances etc. in the collected water are directly removed or sterilized, thereby improving water purifying efficiency.

A sixth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of any one of the first to third aspects of the invention, which further includes an injection path (60) through which air flows, and an outflow end of which opens to the water container (41); and in which the water purification unit provides the purifying substances into the injection path (60).

The injection path (60) through which air flows is provided in the humidity control apparatus of the sixth aspect of the invention. The water purification unit (51, 70) provides purifying substances (active species etc.) into the injection path (60), and then such purifying substances flow out from the injection path (60) together with air to be supplied to the water container (41). In the water container (41), such supplied purifying substances purify water.

A seventh aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention, in which the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) is arranged in the water container (41).

In the seventh aspect of the invention, the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) is arranged in the water container (41) to generate the purifying substances. Consequently, water in the water container (41) effectively reacts with the purifying substances, thereby improving the water purifying efficiency.

A eighth aspect of the invention is intended for the humidity control apparatus of any one of the first to seventh aspects of the invention, which further includes air purification units (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) configured to purify air

The air purification units (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) configured to purify air are provided in the humidity control apparatus of the eighth aspect of the invention. That is, in addition to the dehumidification and humidification functions, the humidity control apparatus of the present invention has an air purification function. As described above, if the humidity control apparatus is used for the air purification, many harmful substances or odorous components may be container in air to be treated. Thus, many harmful substances or bacteria may be contained in water to be collected from the dehumidification unit (31) to the water container (41). However, in the present invention, the water to be collected in the water container (41) is also purified by the purifying substances. Consequently, even if such water is used for the air humidification by the humidification unit (43), the air cleanliness can be maintained.

Advantages of the Invention

In the present invention, water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) is collected in the water container (41), and the water collected in the water container (41) is used for the air humidification by the humidification unit (43). Thus, according to the present invention, the water container (41) can be used both for the dehumidification unit (31) and the humidification unit (43), thereby reducing an apparatus size. In addition, a discharge structure for discharging water trapped by the dehumidification unit (31) can be omitted, and the supply amount of humidification water used in the humidification unit (43) can be reduced. Consequently, the humidity control apparatus can be provided, in which the humidification and dehumidification operations can be selectively performed with the simple structure.

In addition, in the present invention, water to be collected from the dehumidification unit (31) to the water container (41) is purified by the water purification unit (51, 70, 80). Thus, cleanliness of water to be imparted from the humidification unit (43) to air can be maintained, and contamination of a room space etc. by humidification water can be avoided in advance.

In particular, in the second or third aspect of the invention, the active species generated in the water purification unit (51, 70) are used, thereby effectively removing or sterilizing harmful substances etc. in water to be collected in the water container (41). In addition, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the metal ions deposited from the metal member (80) can effectively prevent the bacterial multiplication in water to be collected. Further, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the purifying substances are provided to the water container (41), thereby removing harmful substances etc. in the water container (41), and effectively preventing the bacterial multiplication in the water container (41).

Further, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the purifying substances generated in the water purification unit (51, 70) are sent to the water container (41) together with air through the injection path (60). Thus, according to the present invention, many purifying substances can be supplied to water in the water container (41), and the water in the water container (41) can be effectively purified by the purifying substances. In addition, the water purification unit (51, 70) can be arranged outside the water container (41), thereby ensuring a sufficient installation space of the water purification unit (51, 70).

In addition, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) is arranged in the water container (41), thereby ensuring supply of the purifying substances generated in the water purification unit (51, 70, 80) into water in the water container (41). Consequently, purification of the water in the water container (41) can be stably ensured. Further, according to the eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the air dehumidification and humidification, the humidity control apparatus which can purify air can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an entire structure of a humidity control apparatus of an embodiment, and illustrating a state in which a water tank is drawn out from a casing.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating inside of the humidity control apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating the inside of the humidity control apparatus as viewed from a front side.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dehumidification unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a humidification unit.

FIG. 6 is a view schematically illustrating a structure of a water purification unit.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically illustrating a structure of a water purification unit of a second variation.

FIG. 8 is a view schematically illustrating a structure of a water purification unit of a third variation.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

-   31 Dehumidification Rotor (Dehumidification Unit) -   41 Water Tank (Water Container) -   43 Humidification Rotor (Humidification Unit) -   51 Water Purification Electrical Discharge Section (Electrical     Discharge Section, Water Purification Unit) -   60 Piping Unit (Injection Path) -   70 Photocatalyst Member (Water Purification Unit) -   80 Metal Member (Water Purification Unit)

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

A humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment can perform a humidification operation for humidifying air, and a dehumidification operation for dehumidifying air. In addition, the humidity control apparatus (10) includes various air purification units configured to purify air.

<Entire Structure of Humidity Control Apparatus>

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidity control apparatus (10) includes a casing (11). The casing (11) is formed in a rectangular shape defining flat surfaces on front and rear sides. A front panel (11 a) is formed on the front side of the casing (11) (left side as viewed in FIG. 1). Suction ports (12) for injecting air into the casing (11) are formed in the front panel (11 a) (see FIG. 2). The suction port (12) is formed on, e.g., each of right and left sides of the front panel (11 a). In addition, in the casing (11), a blow-off port (13) for blowing off air from the casing (11) is formed in an upper portion on the rear side. An air path (14) through which air flows from the suction ports (12) to the blow-off port (13) is formed in the casing (11).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a prefileter (21), an ionization section (22), a pleated filter (23), a deodorizing member (24), a dehumidification unit (30), a humidification unit (40), and a centrifugal fan (20) are provided in the air path (14) in the above-presented order from an air-flow upstream side toward an air-flow downstream side.

An inflow end of a return path (15) opens at a portion above the centrifugal fan (20) and below the blow-off port (13). That is, a part of air flowing out from the air path (14) to the blow-off port (13) flows into the return path (15). The return path (15) is defined by a space extending in the front-rear direction with the space being separated from the air path (14). An outflow end of the return path (15) is connected to an upstream side of the prefileter (21). An air purification electrical discharge section (25) is formed near the outflow end of the return path (15).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a guide path (16) communicating with the return path (15) is formed on a front side of the prefileter (21). The guide path (16) is defined and formed by, e.g., partition members formed on a back side of the front panel (11 a). The guide path (16) guides air flowing out from the return path (15) to an intermediate point of the prefileter (21) in the width direction, and allows such air to flow out to the right and left sides, thereby sending the air to the prefileter (21) side (see arrows in FIG. 3). As described above, the humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment returns a part of air on an outflow side of the air path (14) to an inflow side of the air path (14) through the air purification electrical discharge section (25).

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a humidity sensor (19) for detecting room humidity is provided on the front panel (11 a) side of the casing (11). The humidity sensor (19) serves as a humidity detection unit configured to detect absolute or relative humidity of room air. A control unit (not shown in the figure) configured to switch between a dehumidification operation and a humidification operation, which will be described in detail later, based on the detected humidity of the humidity sensor (19) is provided in the casing (11).

<Structure of Air Purification Units>

As illustrated in FIG. 2, as the air purification units configured to purify air, the humidity control apparatus (10) includes the prefileter (21); the ionization section (22); the pleated filter (23); the deodorizing member (24); and the air purification electrical discharge section (25), which have been described above.

The prefileter (21) serves as a duct collection filter for physically trapping relatively-large dust contained in air.

The ionization section (22) serves as a dust charging unit configured to charge dust in air. The ionization section (22) is provided with, e.g., a linear electrode, and a plate-like electrode facing the linear electrode. In the ionization section (22), voltage is applied from a power source (18) to the electrodes, thereby generating corona discharge between the electrodes. Such corona discharge charges dust in air to a predetermined voltage (positive or negative charge).

The pleated filter (23) serves as a corrugated plate-like electrostatic filter. That is, in the pleated filter (23), the dust charged in the ionization section (22) is electrically attracted and trapped. Deodorizing material such as a photocatalyst may be deposited on the pleated filter (23).

The deodorizing member (24) is constituted by a honeycomb base material with deodorant for deodorizing air, which is deposited on a surface of the base material. As the deodorant, adsorbent for adsorbing substances to be treated (odorous components or harmful substances) in air, catalysts for oxidatively degrading the substances to be treated, etc. are used.

In the air purification electrical discharge section (25), streamer discharge is generated in order to purify air. The air purification electrical discharge section (25) is provided with a rod-like or linear electrode (26); and a flat plate-like electrode (27). The electrodes (26, 27) are arranged so as to be parallel to each other. When applying voltage from the power source (18) to the electrodes (26, 27), streamer discharge is generated from a tip end of the rod-like electrode (26) toward the flat plate-like electrode (27). Such streamer discharge generates active species (radicals, ozone, high-energy electrons, excited molecules, etc.) in air. The active species react with the substances to be treated in air, thereby oxidatively degrading and removing the substances to be treated.

<Structure of Dehumidification Unit>

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the dehumidification unit (30) includes a dehumidification rotor (31); a cover (32); a circulation fan (33); and a heater (34).

The dehumidification rotor (31) is a dehumidification unit configured to dehumidify air by trapping moisture in the air, and serves as a so-called “rotary adsorption rotor.” That is, the dehumidification rotor (31) is formed in a discoid shape which allows air to flow in the front-rear direction. A rotating shaft (31 a) provided as an axle of the dehumidification rotor (31) is rotatably driven by a predetermined drive source (not shown in the figure), thereby rotating the dehumidification rotor (31) together with the rotating shaft (31 a). In addition, the dehumidification rotor (31) is constituted by a honeycomb base material with adsorbent being deposited on a surface thereof. Material having good adsorption performance to moisture, such as granular zeolite, is used as the adsorbent. In addition, as binder for depositing the adsorbent on the base material, thermoplastic resin such as modified polyphenylene ether, polystyrene, and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin) can be used.

The dehumidification rotor (31) is held within the cover (32). Specifically, the cover (32) is formed in an approximately rectangular shape defining flat surfaces on the front and rear sides, and a circular opening (32 a) is formed closer to an upper portion of the cover (32). The circular opening (32 a) penetrates through the cover (32) in the front-rear direction, and the dehumidification rotor (31) is rotatably held therein. This allows air flowing in the air path (14) to pass through the dehumidification rotor (31) and the circular opening (32 a).

In addition, a circulation path (35) through which air for recovering the adsorbent of the dehumidification rotor (31) (recovery air) flows is formed in the cover (32). Specifically, in the cover (32), the circulation path (35) is formed around the dehumidification rotor (31), and the circulation fan (33) and the heater (34) are provided so as to cross the circulation path (35). More specifically, in the cover (32), first to fourth cover path sections (35 a, 35 b, 35 c, 35 d) and the circulation fan (33) are connected so as to form a closed loop shape, thereby constituting the circulation path (35).

The circulation fan (33) and the first cover path section (35 a) are formed in an upper end portion of the cover (32) on the rear side. An inflow end of the first cover path section (35 a) communicates with a discharge side of the circulation fan (33). In addition, the heater (34) is accommodated in an outflow end portion of the first cover path section (35 a). That is, the heater (34) is provided in back of the dehumidification rotor (31) (see FIG. 2). The heater (34) serves as a heating unit configured to heat air on an upstream side of the dehumidification rotor (31) in the circulation path (35).

The second cover path section (35 b) is provided in a portion on an approximately-opposite side to the first cover path section (35 a) with respect to the dehumidification rotor (31). The first cover path section (35 a) and the second cover path section (35 b) communicate with each other through the dehumidification rotor (31). In addition, the second cover path section (35 b) is formed so as to have a fan-shaped external form, and covers approximately one-sixth of a side surface of the dehumidification rotor (31).

In the cover (32), the third cover path section (35 c) is formed so as to surround an approximately lower half of the dehumidification rotor (31). An inflow end of the third cover path section (35 c) is connected to a lower end portion of the second cover path section (35 b). In addition, an outflow end of the third cover path section (35 c) is connected to a suction side of the circulation fan (33) through the fourth cover path section (35 d).

A plurality of communication holes (37) penetrating in the front-rear direction are formed in the third cover path section (35 c). Each of the communication holes (37) is formed so as to have a vertically elongated, approximately oval flow path cross section, and air flowing in the air path (14) (air to be treated) can flow therein. In addition, the plurality of communication holes (37) are arranged so as to surround an outer portion of the dehumidification rotor (31) in the radial direction.

In the third cover path section (35 c), heat is exchanged between the recovery air and the air to be treated, thereby condensing moisture in the recovery air (as will be described in detail later). The condensed water in the third cover path section (35 c) is collected in a water tank (41) which will be described later, through a flow path (not shown in the figure).

<Structure of Humidification Unit>

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the humidification unit (40) includes the water tank (41) for storing water; a water turbine (42) for drawing up the water in the water tank (41); a humidification rotor (43) serving as a humidification unit configured to impart the water drawn by the water turbine (42) to air; and a drive motor (44) for rotatably driving the humidification rotor (43).

The water tank (41) serves as a horizontally-elongated water container with an opening on an upper side. The water tank (41) is installed in a lower space of the casing (11), and can be drawn out through a draw-out opening (11 b) of the casing (11) (see FIG. 1).

This allows a user etc. to refill the water tank (41) with humidification water as necessary. As described above, the water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) is collected in the water tank (41). Thus, the number of refilling the water tank (41) with the humidification water can be reduced. In addition, shaft bearings (41 a) for rotatably holding the water turbine (42) are vertically arranged on a bottom surface of the water tank (41).

The water turbine (42) is formed in an approximately discoid shape defining flat surfaces on the front and rear sides, and a rotating shaft (42 a) is provided so as to protrude from the center of the water turbine (42). The rotating shaft (42 a) is pivotally supported by upper ends of the shaft bearings (41 a). The water turbine (42) is rotatably provided so that a part (a predetermined portion including a lower end portion) of the water turbine (42) is dipped in the humidification water of the water tank (41), and serves as a rotating member.

A plurality of concave portions (42 b) are formed around the shaft in a rear side surface (side surface facing the humidification rotor (43)) of the water turbine (42). The plurality of concave portions (42 b) include approximately trapezoid openings having the width increasing toward an outer side of the water turbine (42) in the radial direction. The width of the opening of the concave portion (42 b) in the circumferential direction is narrower than the width of an internal space of the concave portion (42 b) in the circumferential direction. Further, walls of the concave portion (42 b) on an inner side in the radial direction gradually incline so as to become closer to the shaft center toward an opening end. In an outer end portion of the water turbine (42) in the radial direction, the concave portions (42 b) are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. During rotating the water turbine (42), the water turbine (42) is alternately displaced between a position where the concave portions (42 b) are dipped in the water of the water tank (41) and a position where the concave portions (42 b) are taken out of the water.

In the rear side surface of the water turbine (42), a toothed wheel (42 c) is integrally formed in a portion closer to the shaft center of the water turbine (42). The toothed wheel (42 c) engages with a driven toothed wheel (43 a) of the humidification rotor (43) which will be described later.

The humidification rotor (43) includes the circular driven toothed wheel (43 a); and a discoid moisture absorbing member (43 b) fitted in and held by the driven toothed wheel (43 a). The moisture absorbing member (43 b) is constituted by nonwoven fabric having water absorbing properties. The humidification rotor (43) is rotatably held with the rotating shaft at a position higher than a water level of a full capacity of the water tank (41). In addition, the humidification rotor (43) is arranged so that a predetermined portion including a lower end of the humidification rotor (43) substantially contacts the water turbine (42). That is, the humidification rotor (43) has a portion overlapping with the concave portions (42 b) of the water turbine (42) in the axial direction. This allows the moisture absorbing member (43 b) of the humidification rotor (43) to absorb the humidification water drawn up by the concave portions (42 b) of the water turbine (42).

The drive motor (44) includes a driving toothed wheel (44 a). The driving toothed wheel (44 a) engages with the driven toothed wheel (43 a) of the humidification rotor (43) through a pinion (45). That is, when rotatably driving the driving toothed wheel (44 a) by the drive motor (44), the pinion (45) and the driven toothed wheel (43 a) rotate, resulting in rotating the water turbine (42) engaging with the driven toothed wheel (43 a).

<Structure of Water Purification Unit>

The humidity control apparatus (10) further includes a water purification unit (50) for purifying water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) to be collected in the water tank (41). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the water purification unit (50) includes a water purification electrical discharge section (51) as a water purification unit; and a piping unit (60) constituting an injection path.

The piping unit (60) is configured by connecting an inflow pipe (61), an electrical discharge unit housing (62), and an outflow pipe (63) in this order. An inflow end of the inflow pipe (61) opens to the air path (14), and an outflow end thereof communicates with the electrical discharge unit housing (62). The inflow pipe (61) is horizontally held. An inflow end of the outflow pipe (63) communicates with the electrical discharge unit housing (62), and an outflow end thereof opens to the water tank (41). The outflow pipe (63) is vertically held so that the outflow end thereof is positioned lower than the water level in the water tank (41). In the piping unit (60), the injection path is formed by connecting internal spaces of the inflow pipe (61), the electrical discharge unit housing (62), and the outflow pipe (63) in this order. The piping unit (60) is configured so that a part of air flowing in the air path (14) flows and is injected into the piping unit (60).

The water purification electrical discharge section (51) is arranged in the electrical discharge unit housing (62). The water purification electrical discharge section (51) serves as an electrical discharge section for generating active species as purifying substances in the piping unit (60) by electrical discharge. The water purification electrical discharge section (51) includes a rod-like electrode (52) and a flat plate-like electrode (53). The rod-like electrode (52) is supported by a base plate (52 a) through a support plate (52 b). The rod-like electrode (52) is formed in an elongated linear shape, and has an approximately-circular cross section. The flat plate-like electrode (53) is formed in a flat plate-like shape extending in the same direction as the rod-like electrode (52). The rod-like electrode (52) and the flat plate-like electrode (53) are arranged so as to be parallel to each other, and tip ends of the rod-like electrode (52) face the flat plate-like electrode (53).

The rod-like electrode (52) is connected to a positive-going side of the power source (18), and the flat plate-like electrode (53) is connected to a negative-going side (or ground) of the power source (18). When applying a potential difference from the power source (18) to the electrodes (52, 53), streamer discharge is generated from the tip end of the rod-like electrode (52) toward the flat plate-like electrode (53). Consequently, in the water purification electrical discharge section (51), active species (radicals, ozone, high-energy electrons, excited molecules, etc.) are generated by the streamer discharge, and then such active species are imparted to air. DC high voltage is preferably applied from the power source (18) to the water purification electrical discharge section (51), and more preferably a discharge current of the water purification electrical discharge section (51) is maintained constant, i.e., a constant current control is performed.

Operations

The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment switches between the dehumidification operation for dehumidifying a room and the humidification operation for humidifying the room. During the dehumidification or humidification operation, air is simultaneously purified by the various air purification units which have been described above.

<Dehumidification Operation>

In the dehumidification operation, the dehumidification rotor (31) rotates while applying a current to the heater (34). On the other hand, the humidification rotor (43) is not rotatably driven, and therefore the water turbine (42) rotating together with the humidification rotor (43) is also stopped. The centrifugal fan (20) is operated to inject room air into the air path (14) through the suction ports (12), and the circulation fan (33) is operated to circulate recovery air in the circulation path (35). Further, high voltage is applied from the power source (18) to the electrodes (26, 27) of the air purification electrical discharge section (25). In addition, voltage is applied from the power source (18) to the electrodes of the ionization section (22).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, air flowing into the air path (14) passes through the prefileter (21), and dust in such air is trapped by the prefileter (21). Subsequently, such air passes through the ionization section (22). In the ionization section (22), corona discharge is generated between the electrodes, and dust in the air is charged. The air flowing out from the ionization section (22) passes through the pleated filter (23). In the pleated filter (23), the charged dust is electrically attracted and trapped. The air flowing out from the pleated filter (23) passes through the deodorizing member (24). In the deodorizing member (24), the substances to be treated, which are contained in the air, adsorb to the adsorbent, or are oxidatively degraded by the catalyst.

In an outflow end portion of the air path (14), a part of air on a blow-off side (positive-pressure side) of the centrifugal fan (20) flows into the return path (15). The air flowing in the return path (15) is sent to the front to pass through the air purification electrical discharge section (25). In the air purification electrical discharge section (25), streamer discharge is generated between the electrodes (26, 27) facing each other. Consequently, in the air purification electrical discharge section (25), the active species are generated by such streamer discharge. The air containing the active species joins air flowing on the upstream side of the prefileter (21), through the return path (15) and the guide path (16). Thus, in the air path (14), the active species flows from the inflow end to the outflow end, thereby ensuring a reaction time of the substances to be treated with the active species in the air to improve deodorizing performance.

During the dehumidification operation, the air passing through the deodorizing member (24) passes through the dehumidification rotor (31). In the dehumidification rotor (31), moisture contained in the air adsorbs to the adsorbent, and such air is dehumidified. The air purified and dehumidified as described above is supplied to the room through the blow-off port (13).

On the other hand, in the continuously-rotating dehumidification rotor (31), a portion to which moisture in air adsorbs (adsorption portion) is displaced to a position facing the circulation path (35). At this point, in the circulation path (35), air blown off from the circulation fan (33) flows out from the first cover path section (35 a) to be heated by the heater (34). Then, the heated air passes through the adsorption portion of the dehumidification rotor (31). Consequently, the adsorbent in the adsorption portion is heated, thereby desorbing the moisture from the adsorbent. The air used for recovery of the adsorbent of the dehumidification rotor (31) to increase its humidity flows into the third cover path section (35 c) through the second cover path section (35 b).

In the third cover path section (35 c), air on the air path (14) side passes through the communication holes (37). Thus, recovery air on the circulation path (35) side exchanges heat with air to be treated on the air path (14) side through the side wall of the communication hole (37). At this point, the recovery air has a higher temperature than that of the air to be treated, and contains moisture close to saturation point. Consequently, in the third cover path section (35 c), the recovery air is cooled while condensing water vapor contained in such air. The water condensed in the third cover path section (35 c) falls down a predetermined flow path by its own weight to be collected in the water tank (41).

The air having humidity reduced in the third cover path section (35 c) is sucked into the circulation fan (33) through the fourth cover path section (35 d), and is resent to the first cover path section (35 a) to be used for the recovery of the adsorbent of the dehumidification rotor (31).

<Humidification Operation>

In the humidification operation, the humidification rotor (43) and the water turbine (42) are rotatably driven by the drive motor (44). On the other hand, the dehumidification rotor (31) is not rotatably driven, and the heater (34) and the circulation fan (33) are stopped. In addition, the centrifugal fan (20) is operated to inject room air into the air path (14) through the suction ports (12), and to apply voltage from the power source (18) to each of the electrodes of the air purification electrical discharge section (25) and of the ionization section (22).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the air flowing into the air path (14) is purified by the various air purification units as in the dehumidification operation. The purified air passes through the dehumidification rotor (31) which does not substantially perform a dehumidification action, followed by flowing into the humidification rotor (43).

At this point, in the humidification unit (40), the water turbine (42) rotates to supply humidification water in the water tank (41) to the moisture absorbing member (43 b) of the humidification rotor (43) as necessary. Specifically, in the water turbine (42), the concave portions (42 b) are dipped in the humidification water stored in the water tank (41). This allows the humidification water to enter the concave portion (42 b), and to be retained therein. The concave portion (42 b) in which the humidification water is retained is taken out of the humidification water to be upwardly displaced. As the concave portion (42 b) moves toward the humidification rotor (43), the humidification water retained in the concave portion (42 b) gradually flows out from the concave portion (42 b) by its own weight. Then, when the concave portion (42 b) is displaced to the uppermost end position, approximately all of the humidification water in the concave portion (42 b) flows out.

The humidification water flowing out from the concave portion (42 b) contacts the humidification rotor (43) adjacent to the concave portion (42 b) to be absorbed to the moisture absorbing member (43 b). Such an action continuously supplies the humidification water to the humidification rotor (43) in the humidification unit (40).

In the humidification rotor (43), air passes through the portion to which moisture is supplied. Consequently, the humidification water contained in the moisture absorbing member (43 b) is released to air, thereby humidifying the air. The air purified and humidified as described above is supplied to the room through the blow-off port (13).

<Other Operations>

In the humidification or dehumidification operation, the voltage supply from the power source (18) to the ionization section (22) or the air purification electrical discharge section (25) is stopped, thereby allowing an operation in which air is not actively purified. In addition, the dehumidification action of the dehumidification unit (30) or the humidification action of the humidification unit (40) is substantially stopped, and the electrical discharge is generated in the ionization section (22) or the air purification electrical discharge section (25), thereby allowing an air purification operation for purifying air without controlling air humidity.

<Automatic Operation Mode>

In the humidity control apparatus (10), an automatic operation mode in which the dehumidification and humidification operations are automatically changed. In the automatic operation mode, the dehumidification and humidification operations are automatically switched based on room air humidity detected by the humidity sensor (19).

Specifically, in the automatic operation mode, if the humidity detected by the humidity sensor (19) is higher than a target humidity (e.g., humidity set by a user), the dehumidification operation is performed. Consequently, air is dehumidified in the dehumidification unit (30) as described above, and the room humidity is converged to the target humidity. At this point, water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) is collected in the water tank (41).

On the other hand, in the automatic operation mode, if the humidity detected by the humidity sensor (19) is equal to or lower than the target humidity, the humidification operation is performed. Consequently, air is humidified in the humidification unit (40) as described above, and the room humidity is converged to the target humidity.

At this point, during such humidification operation, water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) to be collected in the water tank (41) is supplied to the humidification rotor (43) through the water turbine (42). That is, in the humidity control apparatus (10), water collected in the water tank (41) during the dehumidification operation is used as humidification water during the humidification operation. In other words, the water tank (41) is used both as a water container for collecting water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) during the dehumidification operation, and as a water container for collecting water used as humidification water during the humidification operation.

<Water Purification Action>

If the water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) is used for the air humidification by the humidification rotor (43) as described above, it is necessary to improve quality of water to be imparted from the humidification rotor (43) to air. Specifically, during the dehumidification operation, odorous components or harmful substances (e.g., ammonia, formaldehyde, and smell of cigarette) in air may adsorb to the adsorbent of the dehumidification rotor (31). Thus, there is a possibility that such harmful substances etc. are collected in the water tank (41) together with moisture desorbed from the adsorbent. In addition, there is a possibility that bacteria in air, which are trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31), are collected in the water tank (41). As describe above, if, regardless of quality of water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31), which is not necessarily clean, such water is used as the air humidification water during the humidification operation, a problem is caused, in which cleanliness in the room is degraded. The humidity control apparatus (10) of the present embodiment allows a water purification action in which water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) to be collected in the water tank (41) is purified by the water purification unit (50).

Specifically, when switching the operation of the humidity control apparatus (10), e.g., from the dehumidification operation to the humidification operation, air is injected into the piping unit (60) (see FIG. 6). Then, voltage is applied from the power source (18) to the water purification electrical discharge section (51). Consequently, streamer discharge is generated in the water purification electrical discharge section (51), thereby generating active species in the electrical discharge unit housing (62). Such active species flows into the outflow pipe (63) together with air flowing in the electrical discharge unit housing (62).

Consequently, the air containing the active species is supplied to the water of the water tank (41) as air bubbles. This allows the active species in the air to contact the water, thereby removing the harmful substances etc., and sterilizing the water. As described above, in the water purification action, the active species generated in the water purification electrical discharge section (51) are imparted to the water in the water tank (41), thereby improving the cleanliness of the water in the water tank (41). Thus, even if the humidification operation is subsequently performed, clean water is imparted to air from the humidification rotor (43). Consequently, during the humidification operation, the cleanliness in the room is not degraded by the humidification water.

ADVANTAGES OF EMBODIMENT

In the foregoing embodiment, the water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) is collected in the water tank (41), and then the water collected in the water tank (41) is used for the air humidification by the humidification rotor (43). Thus, according to the foregoing embodiment, the water tank (41) can be used both as the water container for collecting the water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31), and as the water container for storing the humidification water to be supplied to the humidification rotor (43). Consequently, as compared to water containers separately provided corresponding to the rotors (31, 43), the number of components and the apparatus size can be reduced. In addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the water collected in the dehumidification rotor (31) is used for the humidification, thereby omitting a discharge structure for discharging the water collected in the dehumidification rotor (31). Further, the amount of humidification water to be supplied to the humidification rotor (43) can be reduced. Consequently, the humidity control apparatus (10) selectively performing the dehumidification and humidification operations can be provided with a relatively-simple apparatus structure.

Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the water collected in the water tank (41) is purified by the water purification electrical discharge section (51) during the dehumidification operation. Thus, this ensures avoidance of the degradation of the cleanliness in the room by imparting contaminated water to air, during the humidification operation. In addition, in the water purification electrical discharge section (51), the streamer discharge is performed, in which power consumption is relatively small, and high-density active species can be generated. Thus, energy saving in the humidity control apparatus (10) can be ensured, and the water collected in the water tank (41) can be purified with high efficiency.

VARIATIONS OF EMBODIMENT

In the foregoing embodiment, the following structures of variations can be employed as the water purification unit configured to purify the water collected in the water tank (41).

<First Variation>

In the water purification electrical discharge section (51) illustrated in FIG. 6, the streamer discharge is generated to impart active species to air. However, in the water purification electrical discharge section (51), active species as purifying substances may be generated by other electrical discharge such as creeping discharge and corona discharge. In addition, the water purification electrical discharge section (51) may be provided in the water tank (41) to generate active species in the water tank (41) by the electrical discharge.

<Second Variation>

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a photocatalyst member (70) may be used as the water purification unit. The photocatalyst member (70) is constituted by a base material with a photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide being deposited on a surface thereof. The photocatalyst member (70) is arranged in the water tank (41), and is dipped in water. In addition, in the second variation, an ultraviolet lamp (71) is provided so as to face the photocatalyst member (70). The ultraviolet lamp (71) irradiates the photocatalyst member (70) with ultraviolet rays, and is held in, e.g., a lower surface of a cover (72) of the water tank (41).

In the second variation, under the ultraviolet irradiation environment by the ultraviolet lamp (71), active species (purifying substances) such as OH radicals and H₂O₂ are generated from the photocatalyst member (70). Such active species degrades and removes harmful substances etc. in water of the water tank (41), and the water is sterilized. Thus, in the second variation, the purification of the water trapped by the dehumidification rotor (31) to be collected in the water tank (41) can be also ensured, thereby actively using such water as the humidification water of the humidification rotor (43).

In addition, the photocatalyst member (70) may be arranged in the piping unit (60) of the foregoing embodiment. In such a case, the active species generated from the photocatalyst member (70) are sent to the water tank (41) together with air, thereby purifying the water in the water tank (41).

<Third Variation>

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a metal member (80) generating predetermined metal ions (purifying substances) may be used as the water purification unit. In such an example, the metal member (80) is made of a cooper-ion compound. The metal member (80) is arranged in the water tank (41), and is dipped in water.

In the third variation, cooper ions are deposited from the metal member (80) to the water in the water tank (41). Such cooper ions reduce/block bacterial multiplication in the water to purify the water. A metal compound etc. generating other ions (e.g., silver ions) may be used as the metal member (80). Further, instead of using the metal member (80), other functional material for preventing the bacterial multiplication may be used. Such functional material includes, e.g., material generating plant-derived essential oil (purifying substance) such as catechin, and more specifically includes material made by injecting such plant-derived essential oil into a soluble microcapsule.

The inventions of the foregoing embodiment and variations may be combined as necessary. In addition, the foregoing embodiments have been set forth merely for purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not intended to limit the scope, applications, and use of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention is useful for the humidity control apparatus which includes the dehumidification unit configured to dehumidify air, and the humidification unit configured to humidify air, and in which water trapped in the dehumidification unit is collected in the water container, and such water is used for air humidification by the humidification unit. 

1. A humidity control apparatus, comprising: a dehumidification unit configured to dehumidify air by trapping moisture in the air; a water container in which the water trapped by the dehumidification unit is collected; a water purification unit configured to generate purifying substances which purifies water to be collected in the water container; and a humidification unit configured to humidify air by imparting the water collected in the water container, to air.
 2. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water purification unit serves as an electrical discharge section for generating active species as the purifying substances by generating electrical discharge.
 3. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water purification unit is constituted by a photocatalyst member in which active species are generated as the purifying substances.
 4. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water purification unit is constituted by a metal member in which metal ions are generated as the purifying substances.
 5. The humidity control apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the water purification unit imparts the purifying substances to water in the water container.
 6. The humidity control apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: an injection path through which air flows, and an outflow end of which opens to the water container, wherein the water purification unit provides the purifying substances into the injection path.
 7. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water purification unit is arranged in the water container.
 8. The humidity control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: air purification units configured to purify air. 